Lee

Senior Digital Designer

What did you do before joining Jagex?

I worked as a Graphic & Web Designer for a company in Norwich for several years. It was a fun job with a nice variety of work and some good experience. Sometimes I'd work on designing websites and coding them up, other times I'd be working on brochures and other print jobs, but occasionally I got to draw cartoon characters (all work related of course!). Before that I did some freelance work and before that I did all sorts, including driving a fork lift and cutting down trees.

How did you first hear about Jagex and the job opening?

I just came across the job on the internet. I saw it and thought, wow, a computer games studio are looking for a web designer. I love design and have a massive passion for computer games so this was perfect for me, I couldn't believe my luck when I got the job.

What's your current role at Jagex and how long have you been with the company?

I work as a Graphic & Web Designer and I've been here for just over 2 years.

What comprises a typical working day for you?

Photoshop, Photoshop and more Photoshop! Seriously, that's all I do all day. From designing websites to banner ads, it all involves me and my Wacom tablet pushing pixels about in Photoshop. Sometimes the day is broken up with the occasional meeting and office banter in my department, which often has me in hysterics! At the moment I also can't get through the day without soothing my addiction to table tennis on my lunch break.

What do you like best about working for Jagex?

Most of all I'm doing what I love, design! and I'm doing it for a company that makes something I'm passionate about, computer games! I've been playing games since the Atari 2600 & ZX Spectrum days, well before the current heavy weights got involved. Gaming is a big part of my life so it's great to work in the industry.

I also like the relaxed atmosphere around the office, I come in to work in my scruffy jeans & trainers and I'm allowed to just get on with my job and be creative. The people I work with are great too and it's amazing to work with so many talented people who have the same passion for their work that I do.

What is your favourite perk or benefit at Jagex?

Usually I'd say my free gym membership, but since I'm injured and canít exercise at the moment I have to go with team jollies. Last time my team had the day off and went to Thorpe Park, all paid for by Jagex of course! It was an amazing day!

What has been your favourite memory to date of working at Jagex?

Jaguar Skills doing a DJ set at the Christmas party was amazing and epic!

What makes Jagex different?

The staff are genuinely passionate about what they do and that makes it an exciting place to work as well as a good place to learn from your colleagues. Plus, it's more relaxed than most places I've worked, which really suits me. There are also so many social groups and diverse interests around the company.

Finally, what would be your one piece of advice for someone interested in your role?

Make sure youíve got a great online portfolio where you can clearly demonstrate your artistic talent. Design is one of those rare jobs where if you are talented enough and you're persistent enough someone will pick you up, regardless of your experience or education.